From the Toolbox #7

This week’s stumper is a pair of specialty pliers designed for a specific purpose. It performs a function that is seldom necessary today.

Initially looking like 6-1/2 inch snap ring pliers, this tool has slotted jaws instead of the normal clamps that would hold interchangeable points for snap rings. The slotted jaws are intentionally skewed at 90 degrees to each other in order to hold or pinch something very thin in diameter when pinched together.

Behind the jaws is a stud with a ball on the end that retains the removable t-handle that comes with the tool. The t-handle is key here: It pivots 360 degrees on the shaft and the bottom of the t-handle near the pliers has a raised step about ¼ of the way around its base. The t-handle, when installed on the shaft, leaves ¼ of an inch at its base, which lines up correctly with the opening on the jaws when the tool is compressed.

The pliers’ action is very compact; the handles only move ¾-inch from fully closed to open. I have used this tool several times before and it works well, but it is one of those tools you absolutely need for certain jobs that later collects dust waiting for another classic car or motorcycle or lawn mower project to come along again. It was manufactured by the KD Tool Company in the USA and has a patent number on it as well.

Merton Keithsays:

May 25, 2016 9:52 am

John C. Kovalosays:

May 25, 2016 10:17 am

That corrugated aluminum handle/black oxide steel finish/riveted construction has “K-D TOOLS” written all over it. Never used one, but remember times when this woulda come in VERY handy, much more so than the visegrips/improvised pry bar method.

May 25, 2016 11:03 am

Stansays:

May 25, 2016 11:20 am

Herb Hellstromsays:

May 25, 2016 11:44 am

This tool (KD) is used to make the perfect loop at the end of the center wire of a bowden cable.
Instead of replacing the entire cable you replaced the center wire. I’ve made many heater control cables with mine
“back in the day”.

BRUCE PARTRICKsays:

May 25, 2016 12:13 pm

ptsloc8trsays:

May 25, 2016 12:44 pm

also useful for putting a new hook/loop on the end of a throttle spring. There is a small hole on one of the pliers halves that allow you to make a 90-degree angle too. I wonder if would work on guitar strings….

geomechssays:

May 25, 2016 12:16 pm

My late father was a veterinarian. His black bag had a tool very similar to this (only stainless) and it was used for specific surgical procedures on certain types of animals, usually the male of the species. Seriously though, this example looks like the proper tool to shape the hook in a Bowden cable. I fixed a lot of cables over the years but my special tools were in the shape of needle-nosed vicegrips and needle-nosed pliers. By the time I could’ve obtained the proper tool, the job was done….

ptsloc8trsays:

May 25, 2016 12:46 pm

SCOTT NJsays:

May 25, 2016 1:53 pm

Absolutely correct for time over money for buying the perfect tool. And I’ll bet you also filed a grove in the teeth on your large adjustable pliers to undo squeeze hose clamps, just like most of us old shade tree mechanics. The groove never seemed to interfere with the “normal” use of the pliers (like hammering, prying, opening whole walnuts).

geomechssays:

May 25, 2016 2:22 pm

Hi Scott. You got it! Many pliers and vicegrips in my toolbox that are specially shaped/grooved to do special jobs. They say: necessity is the mother of invention. A lot of necessities in my lifetime, and more to go…

Gary Hackettsays:

May 25, 2016 12:34 pm

Howiesays:

May 25, 2016 1:15 pm

THGDriversays:

May 25, 2016 3:31 pm

I’m impressed here everyday with the knowledge that comes forth on some of this stuff. Again, I did not have a clue. After learning it’s function I do not ever recall needing one. I used needle nosed vice grips to do what this does and got by without it.

mBroschsays:

May 27, 2016 9:58 am

Deansays:

May 27, 2016 10:27 pm

I worked at Chevrolet dealers most of my life. Years ago we used these A lot. They are used to bend the loop on the end of heater, defroster or vent control cables. I wish I had kept A pair for myself. Do you know if any company makes the cable tool? I would love to have one.

aplsays:

May 29, 2016 10:12 am

Peter Van Keurensays:

May 29, 2016 4:46 pm

It’s a really old tool. If there’s a site showing its use, that would be rare indeed. With the tool in hand and knowing what it’s for, I think it’s fairly easy to figure it out. If I ever find mine, I’ll do a video and post it.

Floyd Rogerssays:

November 14, 2016 10:13 am

Paulsays:

November 14, 2016 10:29 am

If you go to the big fall show at Carlisle (and I suspect Hershey too) there’s always a vendor there who has a large collection of K-D tools…reasonably priced, and many of them no longer made. I’m figuring there’s a chance he might have one of these. He ‘s easy to spot because he sells out of his 18-wheeler, and has many tables set up all around his truck. IIRC, he’s always located near the food court/stadium.